Sustainability
We get our heels dirty to make sure that all our products adhere to the highest standards of sustainability.
Sustainability" can be a vague concept, so let us explain what it means to Cheetah Stories.
A few years ago, I, Fiorella, was in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help combat an Ebola outbreak in a remote area. As I flew over the rainforests, I witnessed the devastation caused by mining activities. Families were displaced, children were forced to work in the mines, and the once-abundant gorillas were long gone.
Small airstrips next to the mines transported precious resources out of the country, leaving local communities without any benefits from their land's bounty.
Having seen poverty, exploitation, and pollution firsthand, I vowed that Cheetah Stories would ensure our Cheelettos cause no harm to people, animals, or the planet.
Our promise goes beyond this commitment—we aim to create products that genuinely support communities, providing them with a decent income and an improved quality of life. We strive for a traceable supply chain which allows us to verify ethical and environmental standards.
By addressing poverty and pollution, which are the root causes of so many conflicts, we believe responsible consumption can actively contribute to global peace.
That's what sustainability means to us. However, we acknowledge that sometimes the perfect sustainable option isn't available yet. In those cases, Martin and I have agreed to work with what we have and support research to find better and more sustainable solutions for our future products.
Sustainability and Fairness
At Cheetah Stories, we work on sustainability from a holistic perspective:
the materials we use
shortening transport ways
reducing waste in the fashion industry
longevity of the products
Giving back
The Materials
we use
You might be surprised to learn that to make one pair of Cheelettos, we source materials from 13 different suppliers. This adds to the complexity, but it's all worth it!
We only work with premium materials that are 100% vegan. Our bio-based vegan leather, used for the upper part of the heels and the lining, helps save 8 kg of CO₂, 10,000 litres of water, 20 square meters of land and, of course, an animal’s life per pair of shoes.
With the help of an innovation lab, we achieved a water-based lining for our shoes. This not only protects your feet from chemicals but also significantly reduces water pollution. We're also exploring options to develop fully solvent-free vegan leather.
We've replaced conventional plastic heels with our FheelGreen™ heels, which reduce electricity consumption by 66%, thermal energy consumption by 80%, and waste water production by 99% during production and transportation.
For our innovative footbed, we use organic, community-traded, GOLS-certified latex from Sri Lanka, imported by a German company with family ties to the small farmers and factories on the ground.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging, which is made from GOTS-certified cotton, 100% recycled cardboard, FSC-certified paper, and eco-friendly plastic.
So, when you wear Cheelettos, you're not just stepping into a pair of stylish heels, you're also stepping lightly on the planet. Let the magic sweep you off your feet!
Shortening transport ways
We make every effort to reduce transportation and unnecessary CO2 emissions by minimizing the shipping of supplies around the world. This approach also allows us to visit our suppliers regularly, establish a relationship of trust and oversee their practices closely.
Designed in Switzerland, Cheelettos are hand-crafted by skilled Italian artisans in a small town outside Milan. Our heels, soles, vegan leather, and packaging suppliers are literally just around the corner. Most of our other supplies are sourced in Europe, with the exception of the raw materials which are not locally available, specifically cotton, latex, and brass. These materials are certified and regularly audited to ensure quality and sustainability.
Reducing Waste in the Fashion Industry
The responsible sourcing and fair production of shoes is an important step in the right direction; at Cheetah Stories, we are committed to going even further.
Of the 22 billion shoes that are produced each year, about 300 million end-up in thelandfills without having been worn.
The reason for this environmental disaster is that most shoe brands release multiple collections per year, driven by fashion trends to maximize sales. Unsold products are often heavily discounted or discarded because they are no longer in fashion, contributing to waste.
At Cheetah Stories, we are dedicated to breaking this cycle.
We focus on simple, timeless designs that remain fashionable year after year. Our base collection remains consistent, and we also offer made-to-order limited editions to minimize overproduction.
Furthermore, all our shoes are crafted on the same last, ensuring a consistent fit. Once you find your perfect size, every pair in that size will fit you perfectly, reducing returns and preventing unfitting shoes from being discarded.
Repair, don’t replace
With Cheelettos, you will conquer the world in glamour and style!
Just in case something should happen to your heels on one of your adventures – say a tussle with a wicked cobblestone, for instance - fret not, for we've thoughtfully included a vanity kit with an extra pair of our signature heel caps and a swatch of vegan leather so that a nearby shoemaker can swiftly restore them to their former glory.
Additional vanity kits can also be purchased on our webshop so that you and your favourite Cheelettos can live happily ever after.
Giving back
At the end of the day, there is only so much we can achieve in contributing to a better world with a pair of Cheelettos.
That’s why we donate 2% of the revenue from each pair of Cheelettos you purchase to animal rescue, protection, and conservation efforts.
We support small organizations that we know personally, ensuring that the money we invest is used effectively and responsibly.
